Rugby World Cup '23- 'Allons-y!'

I attended a wonderful event on Thursday night, eve of Rugby World Cup 2023 – MAD (Make a Difference) Leadership Foundation, set up by Francois Pienaar with the full support of Nelson Mandela and now in its 20th year. It raises funds to provide opportunities for underprivileged African youngsters and what a difference they have made.

Francois and Keith Wood, Irish( and Quins!) legend, featured in a preview of what is undoubtedly the best World Cup ever in terms of match ups and competition. They discussed the pool of death, which starts with South Africa v Scotland on Sunday, and they clearly believe they will both emerge from it – Scotland have lost their last 9 matches v the Irish. I do agree unless Scotland have a fast ‘Finn Russell’ start because they can defend a lead as they have proved recently. Some call them the best ever Scottish team ( anyone from 1990 agree?)

Not much mention of anyone else other than France as strong contenders on their home turf. Confronting the Haka is something to relish, and remember Les Bleus have a good record against the All Blacks (1999,2007) in World Cups (though not in Finals!).

After the rather quirky opening ceremony - anyone for a Baguette?- the France All Blacks contest was very acceptable - rather one sided in the end, and without some of their power players especially in the Back Five the men in Black were lacking in intensity when it mattered in the second half. They were strangely muted after a very strong start which had France looking nervous and off the pace. Beauden Barrett was anonymous and Jordan rather aimless considering his quality. No pointing peaking yet however..... as for France, Jalibert is a wonderful player in his own right, we can possibly move on from N'Tamack's absence, and he triggered France's best moments. In truth they didn't have to be that good and sterner tests lie ahead, weird that may seem. The All Blacks have never lost a pool match before but this irrelevant statistic hardly matters.

Will they meet again in the semi-finals? Get your Black and Blue wine selection in before then!

Elsewhere, the Springboks have two packs of equivalent strength (as we saw at Twickenham) and frankly World Rugby have dropped a massive ball here and have to go back to injury-based substitutions – but that is not for now. Importantly their quality and pace out wide make them multitalented and able to play under any pressures.

Meantime in 40 degrees of heat, England have promised to come out all guns blazing. I think they will, but they will have to do it for 80 minutes and there is no evidence they can since World Cup 2019. Here is the moment – Mitchell from outside the squad but always my No 1 is rightfully starting. Too many injuries have dogged the starting line-up and the oppressive heat will test everyone’s limits. Every England player wants the challenge of this one – Argentina expect to win. Let us see. Never has one England rugby match seemed more binary for on and off field prospects.

Fiji have lost their starting No 10 which is a blow, but will the Bordeaux heat benefit them or Wales? Gatland has trained them hard and if Wales lose, I suspect they may think they are going home. What focus that will bring. I think though Fiji have real momentum and that could prove crucial.

It is an incredible start to the Tournament – let’s celebrate the rugby fiesta. A case of Rugby World Cup Sporting Wine is a compulsory companion so get ordering – even in France ( via le Petit Ballon) where the memory of Doddie lives on, and you can celebrate champagne moments alongside the Doddie5 Cap Classique which they are featuring out there as part of a sporting wine package.Even if you are a rugby tourist in France you can get your hands on it and if Scotland get past South Africa tomorrow ( or if they don't ), a Schalk Burger sparkling wine creation in honour of a Scottish Rugby legend will be the ideal way to get through the heat!